The Lower Pioneer Valley Career and Technical Education Center was about to move to a new location in 2005 and took the opportunity to design a state-of-the-art teaching salon. Concurrently, new Department of Education Standards (Chapter 74) for proficiency in health and safety needed to be incorporated into each vocational curriculum. Building on past curriculum activities the grantee was able to provide draft recommendations to the State Department of Education on cosmetology curriculum enhancements to meet these requirements.

Accomplishments

Model Salon Design

LPVEC worked with its partners and architect to develop design recommendations for the new facility such as equipment and placement of chemical storage and mixing areas. The Cosmetology Program will use the following toxics use reduction strategies:

1. Selection of the least toxic products available

2. Education of students in least toxic salon processes

3. Promotion of safe work practices and housekeeping of hazardous products to prevent accidents

Additional safety initiatives include the use of a Model Salon as an ideal training facility for hands on learning. The unique safety qualities of the Model Salon include;

Using state of the art dispensary for chemical storage with direct ventilation

Using ventilated nail tables designed by the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety

Ventilating the entire salon work area directly to the outside

Posting signs for safety and emergency response

Selection of the least toxic products available

Education of students in least toxic salon processes

Promotion of safe work practices and housekeeping of hazardous products to prevent accidents

Curriculum Development

To meet the new proficiency requirements the grantee and their partners developed a set of draft Curriculum Frameworks and submitted them to the Department of Education's Frameworks Committee. They will be evaluated for how they might be best used.

More detailed information is provided through the Project Materials section.

Beyond TURN

In addition to providing a model for other Vocational Departments, the Facility will be used to train professionals in best management practices to improve health and safety in salons.